New Delhi, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with more than 2.62 lakh government-recognised startups creating employment and expanding opportunities for young people, according to an official statement issued on National Entrepreneurship Day on Monday.
The government recognised more than 55,200 startups during 2025-26, the highest number recorded in a single financial year since the launch of the Startup India initiative in 2016.
Startups created over 25 lakh jobs up to October 2026, the statement said. The number of recognised startups increased by 51.6 per cent year-on-year in 2025-26 compared with the previous financial year, while direct employment generation rose by 36.1 per cent.
Women’s participation in the startup ecosystem has also grown, with more than 1.07 lakh recognised startups having at least one woman director or partner as of March 2026. This accounts for around 48 per cent of all recognised startups.
National Entrepreneurship Day is observed on November 9, marking the establishment of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on the same date in 2014.
Government initiatives such as Startup India, Fund of Funds for Startups, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Atal Innovation Mission and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) support innovation, access to finance, mentorship and enterprise creation.
Nearly half of the recognised startups originate from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, alongside growing rural entrepreneurship, reflecting the expansion of business opportunities beyond major urban centres.
Startups are now present across all States and Union Territories. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Gujarat are among the leading regions in terms of recognised startups and direct employment generation as of March 31, 2026.
The government said policy support, improved access to finance and digital platforms continue to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly among young Indians, who account for nearly 65 per cent of the country’s population.
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